1 of the UK's biggest employers of Santas and Elves announces its festive recruitment programme

AS Dobbies' Southport store launches its Best Ever Christmas, the garden centre retailer is on the lookout for a jolly team of Santas and Elves to help create unforgettable festive experiences for families visiting this season.

As 1 of the UK's largest employers of Santas and Elves, Dobbies is recruiting enthusiastic seasonal colleagues to play a starring role in its popular Christmas events programme. From welcoming families and even four-legged visitors to Santa's Grotto, to hosting the much-loved Santa's Breakfast in the restaurant, successful applicants will help bring the magic of Christmas to life in Dobbies' Southport store.
Whether candidates have previous experience in festive roles or simply enjoy spreading Christmas cheer, Dobbies' Southport store is encouraging people from across the UK to apply. Every successful applicant will complete Dobbies' immersive North Pole Academy programme, designed to set seasonal colleagues up for success. The programme provides skills, confidence and support, as well as the opportunity to connect with other seasonal colleagues as they prepare to deliver memorable experiences for customers.

Preparations for the festive season will begin in:- mid-November, ahead of Santa's Arrival on:- 22 November 2026, which marks the beginning of:- Dobbies Christmas events programme at the:- Southport Store.

Dobbies People Experience Manager, Victoria Craig, said:- "We're thrilled to welcome back many of our much-loved Santas and Elves, who bring festive magic to families across our stores year after year. This Christmas, we're also inviting new recruits to join the team and become part of something truly special. With enhanced on boarding to help colleagues immerse themselves in the Grotto experience, there's never been a better time to step into the role. Whether you're a seasoned Santa or discovering your Elf persona for the first time, we can't wait to help create magical memories together this Christmas at Dobbies."

A range of flexible seasonal positions is available, offering hours to suit different lifestyles and commitments.

Applications are now open. To find out more about Christmas Recruitment at:- Dobbies' Southport and also apply, please visit:- Careers.Dobbies.Com today!

Aldi to give store colleagues in Merseyside Boxing Day off this Christmas

ALDI has confirmed that its stores in Merseyside will close on:- Boxing Day this year (2026), giving store colleagues the chance to enjoy more time with family and friends after the festive rush.

The UK's biggest discounter will close on:- Christmas Day and Boxing Day, before welcoming customers back on:- Sunday, 27 December 2026.

Stores in Merseyside will also close on:- New Year's Day and reopen on:- Saturday, 2 January 2027.

Opening times will vary locally in the days before Christmas, with many stores extending their hours to help customers pick up everything they need for the festive period.

Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said:- "Christmas is a special time for our customers, but it is also 1 of the busiest periods of the year for our teams. Our colleagues work incredibly hard to ensure customers can pick up everything they need ahead of the big day.We never take that effort for granted. Closing our stores on Boxing Day is 1 way of saying thank you and giving colleagues a proper chance to rest, switch off and spend more time with the people closest to them."

Customers are encouraged to check the Aldi Store Finder nearer the time for the latest opening hours at their local store.

Aldi Store Assistants earn in Merseyside:- �13.50 per hour, rising to:- �14.47, with length of service. Aldi also remains the only major supermarket to offer paid breaks, worth around:- �1,500 a year to the average store colleague.

Those interested in career opportunities at Aldi can visit:- AldiRecruitment.Co.UK.

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1 of the UK's biggest employers of Santas and Elves announces its festive recruitment programme

Aldi to give store colleagues in Merseyside Boxing Day off this Christmas